“It certainly was a very difficult time for him when he wasn’t playing, especially building on what he was able to accomplish last year,” Caps coach Todd Reirden said. “His response has been noticeable.”

With Evgeny Kuznetzov and T.J. Oshie absent during this stretch, Wilson has filled in quite nicely.

Wilson's offensive production is the surprise of the early season. Last season he managed 35 points in 78 games, this year he's at eight points in just six.

But "Top Line Willy" isn't avoiding his defensive duties: He's averaged more time on the penalty kill per game than any player since his debut and helped the Cap kill 18 of their 21 penalties, per the Caps.

"The type of player he is, very responsible, high energy and is working hard in all situations," goaltender Braden Holtby said. "You can tell just in our defensive game from where it was, he has the ability to change a team that way."